Mary Ellen Withrow

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mary Ellen Hinamon Withrow (born 2 October 1930) was the 40th Treasurer of the United States from March 1, 1994 to January 20, 2001 under President Bill Clinton.

Withrow was one of the most visible Treasurers in recent history. She frequented coin and currency shows, autographing money (again) for anyone who asked. She was involved in the "State Quarters" project, the Sacagawea dollar coin project and the first issue of two dollar notes in nearly 20 years. She also was Treasurer when the redesigned $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 notes were introduced in the 1990s.

Withrow's signature, as used on American currency
Enlarge
Withrow's signature, as used on American currency

A native of Marion County, Ohio, Withrow (née Hinamon) formerly served as the treasurer of her home state of Ohio, a position to which she was elected in 1982, 1986, and 1990. Before that, she was elected Treasurer of her native Marion County, Ohio in 1976 and 1980. This makes her the first and only person to have held the post of treasurer at all three levels of government — local, state and national.

Withrow began her career in public service in 1969 as the first woman elected to the Elgin Local School Board in Marion County. As Ohio's Treasurer, Withrow instituted new programs, achieved record earnings, and was nationally recognized for her efficient management. Withrow was a Presidential Elector for Ohio in 1992 and a delegate to the 2000 Democratic National Convention from Ohio. She again served as a member of the Ohio delegation at the 2004 Democratic National Convention.

Withrow is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Donald L. Scantlebury Memorial Award from the Treasury's Joint Financial Management Improvement Program for financial excellence and improvement in government, and the nation's Most Valuable State Public Official by City & State Newspaper in 1990.

She has been the president of several Treasury-related associations, including the National Association of State Treasurers, and the National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers.

Withrow is an activist for women in government and is a member of the board of directors of Women Executives in State Government, an inductee into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame and a recipient of a Women Executives in State Government fellowship to Harvard University. Following her retirement from office in 2000, Withrow became active in the US Treasury's historical society. Withrow's collection of personal documents, photographs, awards and personal papers are housed at the Marion County Historical Society, Marion, Ohio.

[edit] Resources

Preceded by:
Gertrude W. Donahey
Ohio State Treasurer
19831994
Succeeded by:
Ken Blackwell
Preceded by:
Catalina Vasquez Villalpando
Treasurer of the United States
19942001
Succeeded by:
Rosario Marin